What is your thyroid, anyway? The thyroid is a pretty important gland — it influences metabolism. That means your thyroid is in charge of calorie burning, your heartbeat, and even your breath.
Hypothyroidism — when your thyroid is underactive — is the most common thyroid disorder. Millions of people may have undiagnosed thyroid disease, according to experts at the New York Thyroid Center at Columbia University. If your thyroid is underactive, your body produces more thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in an attempt to make your thyroid work properly. A blood test can measure the levels of TSH in your body to help your doctor diagnose thyroid disease.
Within the last five years or so, the guidelines for “normal” thyroid activity have changed. Levels of 5.0 and higher used to be cause for concern; now TSH levels of 3.0 and higher could be a sign of a problem. However, some doctors are reluctant to treat patients with TSH levels under 5.0 for fear of causing hyperthyroidism — an overactive thyroid gland.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:
- Fatigue
- Disturbed sleep
- Weight gain
- Puffiness
- Sore muscles and joint pain
- Depression
- Cold hands and feet
- Dry skin
- Irregular menstruation
- Thinning hair
- High blood pressure
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
In severe cases, patients may experience slowed speech and movement.
Most experts don’t suggest regular screening until after menopause, unless you have a family history of the disease or are planning to get pregnant. Thyroid disease can have a serious effect on a developing fetus, leading to miscarriage, premature birth, and other developmental problems.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be somewhat vague, making doctors suspect other causes. Be specific when describing your symptoms to your doctor, and ask for a blood test. If your doctor doesn’t want to test you or doesn’t think your TSH levels indicate a problem, you may want to get a second opinion. An endocrinologist may be a good choice for a second opinion on a possible thyroid condition.
This information is current as of July 2007. Methods, testing, and treatment may have changed since this article was posted! Talk to your health care professional if you have any questions about your thyroid or other health issues.